Radish Glycemic Index
Low GI · The honest verdict
Gentle on blood sugar
Glycemic index
15
per source
Glycemic load
0
Low GL
This food's glycemic index is 15, which is Low GI.
Radish is one of the best vegetables for blood sugar management. With almost no digestible carbs and a negligible glycemic load, it will not raise blood glucose meaningfully. It is also a good source of vitamin C and potassium. This is general nutrition information, not medical advice — people with diabetes should confirm dietary choices with their care team.
GI numbers vary by source, ripeness, and how a food is prepared. This is general nutrition information — not medical advice. If you manage diabetes, confirm specifics with your care team.
Key facts
Radish has a very low glycemic index of about 15 — one of the lowest among vegetables.
One cup of raw radish contains only 19 calories and 2 grams of net carbs.
Glycemic load of 10 or below is classified as low — radish has a GL near zero.
What's actually inside
Per 100 g, with your typical serving noted as 1 cup (116 g), raw, sliced. The carb family is what moves blood sugar — fiber is the number that softens the spike.
Total carbs
3.9g
Net carbs
2g
total carbs minus fiber
Fiber
1.9g
slows the glucose rise
- Sugars
- 2.2g
- Protein
- 0.8g
- Calories
- 19kcal
Notable nutrients
- Vitamin C17 mg
- Potassium270 mg
- Folate29 mcg
- Calcium29 mg
Is it a smart choice for blood sugar?
GI is only half the story — portion (glycemic load) and what you eat it with decide the real-world effect. Here's the honest read.
The verdict
Excellent for blood sugar — very low impact
Radish is one of the best vegetables for blood sugar management. With almost no digestible carbs and a negligible glycemic load, it will not raise blood glucose meaningfully. It is also a good source of vitamin C and potassium. This is general nutrition information, not medical advice — people with diabetes should confirm dietary choices with their care team.
Portion guidance
Because radish has such a low glycemic load, portion control is not a concern for blood sugar. A full cup of raw sliced radish contains only about 2 grams of net carbs. You can eat radish freely as a snack, in salads, or as a crunchy addition to meals without worrying about glycemic impact.
This is general nutrition information, not personal medical advice. Blood sugar responses are individual — if you have diabetes or prediabetes, your care team can tell you how this fits your plan.
How to keep the spike small
The same food can land differently depending on how it's cooked and what it's eaten with. Use these levers to your advantage.
Eating raw
Little effectRaw radish has the lowest GI and GL — the cell structure remains intact, and starch (minimal as it is) digests slowly.
Cooking (roasting or boiling)
Raises GICooking radish softens its cell walls and gelatinizes the small amount of starch present, which can modestly increase GI. However, because total carbs are so low, the effect on blood sugar is still negligible.
Pickling
Lowers the spikePickled radish (especially with vinegar) may have an even lower glycemic impact due to acetic acid, which slows carbohydrate digestion. The vinegar content adds a further blood-sugar-stabilizing effect.
Pairing tip
Radish pairs well with any meal and requires no special pairing for blood sugar management. It adds crunch and a peppery flavor to salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls. For a balanced snack, pair radish slices with hummus or guacamole — the fat and protein further blunt any minor glycemic response.
Why GI numbers vary
Radish GI data is sparse, but the available estimates consistently place it at the very low end of the scale — around 15. The value is so low that small variations in preparation or variety do not meaningfully change its classification. Radish is universally considered a low-GI food with negligible glycemic load.
Not medical advice. This page is general nutrition information about Radish. It isn't a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If you have diabetes, prediabetes, or another condition affecting blood sugar, confirm any dietary decisions with your doctor or care team.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Radish has a very low glycemic index of approximately 15, which is considered low. This is because radishes are composed mostly of water and fiber, with very few digestible carbohydrates. Even cooked or pickled, the GI remains negligible. In practical terms, radish has essentially no effect on blood sugar.
Yes, radish is excellent for people with diabetes. With only about 2 grams of net carbs per cup and a glycemic load near zero, it will not raise blood glucose. It also provides vitamin C and potassium. Radish can be eaten freely as part of a diabetes-friendly diet. This is general nutrition information — individuals should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Radish is unique among root vegetables. Unlike carrots (GI ~39), beets (GI ~64), or potatoes (GI ~78), radish has a very low GI of about 15 and almost no starch. Most other roots are much higher in carbs and have a greater blood sugar impact. Radish is the safest root vegetable for blood sugar control.
Absolutely. Radish is a keto-friendly vegetable with only about 2 grams of net carbs per cup. It fits easily into strict keto (under 20 g net carbs/day), moderate low-carb, and any other reduced-carbohydrate eating pattern. It can even be used as a low-carb substitute for potatoes in roasted dishes.
Pickled radish has an even lower glycemic impact than raw radish. The vinegar used in pickling contains acetic acid, which has been shown to slow carbohydrate digestion and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. The total carb content remains negligible, making pickled radish an excellent choice for blood sugar management.
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Reviewed by
Curex Editorial TeamReviewed for accuracy
Last reviewed July 2026